Self abuse and neglect

Self abuse and neglect
Elders can abuse / neglect themselves by not caring about their own personal health and well-being.[3]. Elder self neglect can lead to illness, injury or even death. Common needs that the senior may deny themselves or ignore are the following:

Sustenance (Food or water)
Cleanliness (Bathing and personal hygiene)
Adequate clothing for climate protection
Proper shelter
Adequate safety
Clean and healthy surroundings
Medical attention for serious illness
Essential medications
It should be noted that elders may choose to deny themselves some health or safety benefits, which may not be self-neglect. This may simply be their personal choice. Caregivers and other responsible individuals must honor these choices if the senior is sound of mind.


Abuse statistics
Approximately 60% of elder abuse is towards women. Also domestic violence in later life may be a continuation of long term partner abuse. In some cases, abuse may begin with retirement or the onset of a health condition.[4]

The higher proportion of spousal homicides support the suggestion that abuse of older women is often a continuation of long term spousal abuse against women. In contrast, the risk of homicide for older men was far greater outside the family than within. [5]


Abandonment
Elder abuse can also include deserting an elderly, dependent person with the intent to abandon them or leave them unattended at a place for such a time period as may be likely to endanger their health or welfare.[6]